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Maurice Sendak's 1963 monster classic _Where the Wild Things Are_ is one of America's most adored children's stories, treasured for its dark, imaginative undertones and
emotional realism. Now, for the first time in 30 years, Sendak has a new book out. _Bumble-Ardy_ tells the story of a rebellious, under-parented pig who throws himself a wild party for his
ninth birthday. Some are thrilled that Sendak, at age 83, has put out a new book in his unique style, but others say that _Bumble-Ardy_, which features a visit from the Grim Reaper, is just
too scary for children. One Amazon reviewer calls it a "disturbing book in so many ways." Has Sendak gotten too dark and wild for kids? THIS BOOK IS AWFULLY MENACING FOR
YOUNGSTERS: "_Bumble-Ardy_ won't give children nightmares, but its violent undertones and pervading theme of disappointment" are more appropriate for adults than young kids,
says Stephan Lee at _Entertainment Weekly_. Sure, Sendak isn't known for his sunny stories, "but this one lacks the redeeming spirit of adventure that infused every page of _Wild
Things_." The illustrations are also pretty edgy, depicting "decidedly uncute… perversely ugly" characters. "_Bumble-Ardy_: Maurice Sendak is back with a piggy tale"
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From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox. From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter,
get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox. WELL, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU EXPECT FROM SENDAK? The renowned author is known for pushing close to "the absolute limits," or
"at least poking around their edges," says Matt Peckham at _TIME_. Sure, the Grim Reaper stops by, but it's good to give readers a bit of a fright. "_Where the Wild
Things Are_ would be nothing without its nightmarish horned and bearded monsters that 'roared their terrible roars, and gnashed their terrible teeth.'" Is this new tale really
so different? "Should parents fear _Bumble-Ardy_, Maurice Sendak's new book?" IF ANYTHING, IT SCARES PARENTS MORE THAN KIDS: "The book will challenge parents for the
same reason it will thrill children: Briefly, it permits the dream of misbehavior without reproach or consequences," says John Fassler at _The Atlantic_. Parents might want to shield
their kids from a book featuring death, drunkenness, and rebellion. But "ultimately…like _Wild Things_, _Bumble-Ardy_ offers children a safe way to explore the fantasy of parentlessness
— before returning, content and reassured, to loving arms." "Maurice Sendak's long history of scaring kids (and their parents)"